[graemep]

I have often wondered why it is still acceptable to call Native Americans "Indians".

It is an extremely colonial term, but its used in the country that is the most sensitive about using such terminology. It originates in a marketing term to cover the failure of someone who was, among other things, a slave trader.

On top of that it is ambiguous and often causes confusion, as here, so its not even a useful term.

Surely its time to drop it?

[marcellus23]

The other comments make good points but also want to point out that that quote was written 37 years ago.

[basilikum]

If you are interested in the counter argument: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kh88fVP2FWQ

[graemep]

It does not explain why the term "American Indian" (which it says the series will use) is preferable to "Native American" or "Indigenous American".

it does use a term ("first peoples") which avoids using American and is not used outside North America as far as I know.

[kgwxd]

Grouping people that way in general is barbaric anyway. There's no great answer. "Native American" is a colonial term too. What do they call themselves? It's up to them. Actually, it's up to the individual what they prefer. I don't like being labeled an "American".

[graemep]

> Actually, it's up to the individual what they prefer.

If referring to a group you cannot use a term that all individuals prefer as they will have different preferences. In general certain terms are not used - for example one for black people is never even written out in full by Americans. If one person said "I am fine with being called that" does not mean the rest of us should use it because most people find it offensive.

> I don't like being labeled an "American".

Being called an American Indian (which is necessary to avoid ambiguity) also means you are labeled an American.

"American" is also derived from the name of someone problematic (he even took part in a slaving raid) but that is another issues.